Former Chief Set To Return

Ingvertsen Chosen Again To Lead Police Department

SUFFIELD — Moving forward by reaching into the past, the police commission voted unanimously Friday to offer the police chief's position to the man who held the post three years ago.

Peter N. Ingvertsen, who left Suffield for the bigger and better-paying police department in Simsbury, will return as chief pending routine completion of a background and medical check, which will include a polygraph test and psychological exam.

Popular with the police commission and the community, Ingvertsen disappointed many when he resigned in February 2000 after 13 months.

Familiar and well-liked, he is considered by many to be the ideal figure to bridge the rifts caused by Police Chief Mark Leahy's departure. Leahy, who had replaced Ingvertsen, left about three weeks ago after the commission voted not to renew his contract.

Commission members said Ingvertsen assured them he will stay longer than he did before, and that his plan is to retire from Suffield.

``He's here to stay,'' said commission member James Lennon. ``He feels that it wasn't the best decision to leave.''

Ingvertsen, 53, is a 30-year veteran of the Farmington Police Department, where he held the rank of captain before taking over as chief in Suffield.

Ingvertsen did not attend Friday's meeting and could not be reached for comment.

He was one of about 25 applicants.

First Selectwoman Elaine Sarsynski said he was the clear leader among the four finalists selected by members of the search committee, which included Canton's deputy chief.

Sgt. Craig Huntley said Ingvertsen already proved he could fill the police chief's role under difficult circumstances.

Despite being an outsider in a small-town department that had groomed and promoted its own, Ingvertsen gained confidence early on following the death of longtime Police Chief Robert A. Williams.

``It's almost too good to be true that he'll be coming back,'' Huntley said. ``I think it will put a lot of people at ease in the community and the department.''

``His hiring will go a long way toward healing the relationship with the community, the men, and the commission,'' Huntley said.

The returning chief is taking a pay cut, according to the terms of the five-year contract cited by the commission. Commission members said the Ingvertsen will be paid the amount budgeted, which in July will increase from $72,450 to about $75,000. In Simsbury, Ingvertsen was earning about $90,000.

Commission Chairwoman Faith W. Roebelen said that among the reasons for Ingvertsen's return is he ``missed the commission.''

Field Training Officer Charles Hicking said he is eager to see the chief who hired him as a recruit.

``He definitely earned everyone's respect in the town in a short period of time,'' Hicking said.